There was Jerusalem but no jam at the annual Women's Institute meeting.

Eastern Daily Press: Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, speaks at the Norfolk Federation of WI's annual meeting at St Andrews Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYIngrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, speaks at the Norfolk Federation of WI's annual meeting at St Andrews Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

More than 100 members of the WI from across the region stood for a traditional rendition of Jerusalem yesterday.

The song started the jam packed day of speakers and awards at St Andrew's Hall, in Norwich.

Key speakers to take to the stage included Holly Lambert, from East Anglian Air Ambulance; Jane Dixon, head of Denman college which is run by the Women's Institute and Brenda Arthur, the Lord Mayor of Norwich.

But tales of the Queen's life stole the spotlight.

Eastern Daily Press: Members listen to the speaker at the Norfolk Federation of WI's annual meeting at St Andrews Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMembers listen to the speaker at the Norfolk Federation of WI's annual meeting at St Andrews Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Laughter echoed through the hall as Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty and royal biographer, shared stories of Queen Elizabeth's childhood, wit and marriage.

She said: 'In six weeks the Queen is about to celebrate her 90th birthday and think, she has lived through some of the greatest changes in the world and yet we don't know much about her. I wanted to find out more - and there is one speech she writers herself and that's the speech on Christmas Day, I thought If I wrote a book about the Queen's speech we would learn more.' She told the audience of a favourite royal story. Where an elderly duchess was sitting at the dinner table, wearing a dress with very thin straps and as the footman leant over to serve her, his button got tangled in her strap. She went on to say how the more he struggled the more stuck he become. She added: 'The royal family love it when something goes wrong and they still the story even though it happened 20 years ago.'

A choir also featured during the all-day event.

The excitement continued as the time came for the presentation of cups and certificates.

Brundall Evening, North Walsham Market Cross, Tharston and District and Wymondham Bridewell won the 50th award.

A handful of groups were also given the 90th award, including Great and Little Ryburgh, Scole, Stibbard and District, Tibenham and Walsingham and District.

- If you have a news story about an event in Norwich, email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk